Indian Elections – Festival of Indian Democracy

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. And this diversity is certainly seen in its religion, language, food, culture, costumes, architecture and heritage, traditions, and festivals. As India is a country with at least nine recognized religions, all the major festivals like Diwali, Id-ul-Fitr, Ramzaan, Christmas, Lohri, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Poornima, are being celebrated with great cheer and joy amongst the citizens. Among all the occasions there is one more event which is no less than any festival and that is Indian Elections. Whether it’s the first cuppa tea or at the dinner table, long discussions over elections are going all around.

The Indian parliament with the President of India as their head consists of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha, as the name pronounces is the house of the people. Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the parliamentand is the permanent body, andis elected by the members of the State Legislative Assembly. There are mainly four major types of elections: General Elections, Assembly Elections, Rajya Sabha Elections, and President Elections.

Every candidate standing in elections gathers his party workers and supporters to encourage people to vote them. These parties are in full cheer and enthusiasm. They offer commitments to the people and work hard, day and night to win the elections. The ‘Ray of Hope’ in each party worker, spreads from them to their families, friend, and relatives. This hope builds trust in the citizens of the country. They believe to get a better and improved nation with more developments and jobs, housing, education, women’s safety, better law and order, and most of all a corruption free nation.

A country of 1.3 billion people, want a leader who can stand by their side and raise their voice in the parliament. They want a leader who can understand the troubles of the common man, one who can bring them the basic necessity for living. People of the nation have high expectations from their leader. They wish to see a change for the improvement of the nation.

When elections are held for MLAs and MPs, the candidates follow various strategies to win the election. They organize campaigns, rally, promote on News channels, fix hoardings and big posters, and even visit rural areas and interact with people and talk about their problems. They assure them that they will demolish their troubles from the roots and brings well maintained village. They promise to provide water, electricity, good road, education, health care services, and house in rural areas. They even repair government schools and colleges before elections, just to prove that they are working for the betterment of the nation. Some politicians also visit door to door to meet people and talk about their problems, and make tons of promises. People get pleased on seeing them but they don’t realize why these candidates visit their home just once in five years. This is only because to gain vote and win the election. This propaganda of campaigning and rally’s commences before a year.

On the Election Day, youth, adults and seniors visit the polling stations, to give their valuable votes to the deserving candidate. They wait for hours in queue to give their vote, and to make their candidate win. Re-polling happens if the initial polling is unsuccessful due to reasons such as bad weather, violence etc. Later, the polled votes are counted to announce the winner. The pleasure and happiness amongst the party workers and the supporters is beyond limit. They commence the celebration of victory once the voting results are declared. The party activists burst firecrackers, dance to the beats of drum, distribute sweets, play Holi with beautiful colors, and wave their party flag. The celebration is not less than any festival.

In India, every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, religion or gender. Voting is a constitutional right that we are privileged to have and we should not take it granted. One vote can bring the change and make a difference. If you are not happy with the current government, vote for the one who is better. But remember, if you do not vote, it’s the voter who has to suffer for not voting. It is our duty as responsible citizens of India to make informed decisions and choose the best candidate who will make our country, a proud nation.

Related

Extremely enthusiastic about writing, reading, movies and food; though not necessarily in that order! A Feminist by choice and finds comfort in giving 'gyaan' from time to time. Would love constructive feedback on my writing as I am always looking for ways to improve!